Roger Fleener was born January 13, 1945 in Horton, Kansas, the only child of Paul and Maxine Fleener. He passed from this life on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, Missouri.
Roger served his country in the U.S. Navy for four years as a radioman on the USS MacDonough. He was married to Mary Claire Johstono on January 20, 1968 and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past January. Following his service to his country, Roger worked at Hallmark for 38 years as a warehouseman. During that time, he also began working as a photographer at Greg Hejna Photography before eventually starting Fleener Photography, shooting weddings and senior photos for 25 years.
Roger was deeply involved with his family and his community often taking a leadership role. Before his sons were born he became involved in Scouts as a Webelo leader and held other leadership positions on a local and district level. He supported both of his sons in extracurricular activities including choir, baseball, track, tennis and soccer. Roger served as PTA president during elementary school years and held leadership roles with the school choir, chaperoning many school trips and athletic tournaments out of town. He provided endless mentoring and encouraging to his boys and many other youth over the years.
Following his retirement from Hallmark, Roger, a Harley enthusiast who had previously served as Director of the Greater Kansas City H.O.G. Chapter, was employed by Gail’s Harley Davidson in Grandview, Missouri as customer relations manager where he established the American Heartland H.O.G. Chapter and served as its director for its first 10 years.
Following his retirement from Gail’s in 2014 he and Mary worked as volunteers at North Kansas City Hospital.
Roger was a faithful member of Linden Baptist Church in Gladstone, Missouri where he served as Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School teacher, on various committees and was a member of the choir for a number of years.
Preceded in death by his parents, Roger is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Claire. He is also survived by sons, Kevin and Jason, daughter-in-law Sarah (Raske), along with two granddaughters, Bailey and Laci.
Roger was an outgoing person who loved people and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and others who were touched by his kindness, guidance, and sense of humor.
Family and friends will gather Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Linden Baptist Church, 611 NE 69th St., Gladstone, MO 64118. Service to follow at 2:30 p.m. with military honors, family requests no flowers. If you wish memorial contributions may be sent to Linden Baptist Church.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Roger was a great friend and will be greatly missed. Peace be with the entire Fleener family.
Jon and Debbie Jackson
We are saddened to lose our good friend from our hometown! Roger was a true hero in so many respects! He always kept in touch with not only his classmates but so many others from his past. Loved his many real life stories and his memory was exact! We had the pleasure of seeing him at my class 55th reunion this past May, and again meeting to have dinner in Lawrence with his wife Mary and two other friends. Roger will always be remembered for his healthy laugh and his many tales of growing up in Hiawatha! Roger, we will miss you, may your family have peace in knowing we’ll all meet again.
Roger and Marilyn Vickery
My story is not a long one but I wanted to share because Roger left an indelible mark on my life. It’s not a special story other than to me. It was during his time with Gail’s Harley Davidson. While I did not purchase from Gail’s, I did enlisted them for Service and to join their (his) H.O.G. group. We had monthly meetings, short dinner rides and long multiple cross county rides. He was such a pure joy to be around. Always jovial and upbeat. Always ready and willing to join in or start a welcoming conversation. It was like everyone he met, they become best friends forever. He was such a nice kind hearted soul. I’m 58 and I’ll say right now that he was the warmest, friendliest, most caring person I have ever met. While we were not close in recent years, his passing hit me pretty hard and totally unexpected. I’ll say a prayer for Mary and the family but at the same time, to the family, you have to know and understand what a unique individual he was and be so so proud of him. Rest in peace Roger Papa Smurf Fleener. The world will not be as bright without you.
Darrell Hornick
We had the great privilege of knowing Roger through Greater Kansas City Harley Owners Group. We shared the road and many fun times with him and Mary. He looked like a tough biker from the outside, but Roger was one of the kindest, loving, and most soft-hearted people you could ever meet. He had a talent for photography, but his greatest talent was making others smile and feel welcome. We have many fond memories of him to cherish! He is no doubt enjoying the open roads of heaven! Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Mary, Kevin, and Jason.
Roger was a good friend. Loved his laugh and his humor. We enjoyed his friendship and one of his photographs hangs in our home. Roger and I went from elementary school through high school together. We attended the same church and church youth group growing up. Life will be different without Roger in it! We miss him already. Our sympathy and love goes out to Mary and family.
Gerald & Joyce Adcock
I did not know Roger very well, but always enjoyed spending time with him. I know the last few years had been difficult for him and Mary Claire, but am so thankful to know he is in the place of ultimate rest, peace, health and joy. He no longer suffers or feels pain. He will be greatly missed. Love and prayers to Mary Claire, the children and grandchildren. May the peace of God guard your hearts.
Don Johstono
I got to know Roger and Mary through my husband Doug. He and Roger were classmates. I am so sorry for your loss. I feel your heartache but know Roger was loved deeply and will be watching over you. God bless .. Rest In Peace Roger .. my thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary and the family.
Lana Cramer
Sorry to hear of the loss of Roger. He was a great guy! So many memories of he and his family of the years through Ravenwood Elementary, baseball and scouts. He was a wonderful leader. Such a fun guy. We are sending “Thoughts and Prayers” and our deepest sympathy to Mary and the family.
~ The Filley Family
Roger will be missed. Mike & I met him when he was working at Gail’s Harley-Davidson and with the local HOG chapter. He was always cheerful with a smile for everyone. We enjoyed many rides with him. May he RIP. Our prayers are with his wife Mary and the family.
Karen Hull
So sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. He was a great guy, and I always enjoyed talking to him around HOG events, meetings, and rides. My activity with the group decreased as other demands took over, but he was always a constant when I was able to make it to something.
Ken Schmidt
After not seeing Roger since he graduated 55 years ago, (I was two years later) he found me on FB! And what a joy it has been! I looked thru my page and found many things he directed to me, always something wonderful about dogs or a cute or uplifting story. I have to assume he did the same for all his friends! It was just his way to stay engaged in a conversation done only electronically! He has always been so upbeat and joyful, the way I aspire to live my life! Mary and sons, you know Roger was glorified when he arrived at the pearly gates! He was very happy to see the Lord and will watch after you from above the rest of your lives! RIP, Roger, and prayers and love to your family and friends!
Nancy Glynn
Mary, Kevin and Jason and family–
We just received the word of Roger’s passing. You all are in our hearts and prayers. Roger touched so many lives and we have so many wonderful memories of him. (Some special ones are the times he played Santa for Leslie and Jeff.) He was a good friend to us and will always be remembered. We will always appreciate the time he took to visit with Jim’s Dad, James, during his home bound years. We appreciate his many years of ministry and service in the church.
We are praying for peace and comfort for you all.
God Bless,
Jim and Arleen
It was so good to get together at our recent class reunion. Roger always made us smile. Our sincere sympathy to his family.
Ken and Janiece Spencer
